Job Description
The ICU Veterinary Technician is a highly skilled medical professional responsible for providing advanced nursing care to critically ill and hospitalized patients. This role requires strong technical ability, critical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to function efficiently in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment while supporting doctors, patients, clients, and the broader medical team.
Patient Care & Monitoring
- Provide continuous monitoring of ICU patients, including vital signs, pain levels, mentation, and overall clinical status
- Recognize changes in patient condition and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinarian
- Accurately administer medications, fluids, blood products, and treatments as prescribed
- Maintain detailed, accurate, and timely medical records
Technical & Nursing Skills
- Place and maintain IV catheters, central lines, arterial lines, feeding tubes, and urinary catheters
- Perform blood draws, blood gas analysis, glucose monitoring, and other diagnostics
- Assist with advanced procedures including ventilator management, CRI administration, transfusions, and emergency interventions
- Maintain and troubleshoot ICU equipment (fluid pumps, monitors, ventilators, warming devices, etc.)
Surgical Support & Recovery
- Assist veterinarians with surgical procedures as needed, including patient preparation, monitoring under anesthesia, and intraoperative support
- Provide post-operative recovery monitoring and nursing care
- Assist with patient transfers to and from surgery
- Participate in surgical suite turnover, cleaning, and restocking to ensure readiness and compliance with hospital standards
Critical Care & Emergency Support
- Assist veterinarians during emergency procedures, CPR, and code situations
- Perform triage and stabilization of critical patients as directed
- Maintain readiness for rapid response and emergency admissions
Client Communication
- Provide compassionate, professional updates to clients as directed by the medical team
- Educate clients on patient status, nursing care, and discharge instructions when applicable
- Support emotionally distressed clients with empathy and professionalism
Teamwork & Collaboration
- Work closely with ER, specialty, and ICU teams to ensure continuity of care
- Mentor and support junior technicians and assistants
- Communicate clearly during rounds, handoffs, and shift changes
Hospital Standards & Safety
- Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant ICU environment
- Follow all hospital protocols, safety procedures, and infection control standards
- Adhere to OSHA, radiation safety, and controlled substance regulations